Wenger – Top three the target

Wenger: Closing on a top-three finish in the Premier League

Arsene Wenger has called on his Arsenal side to wrap up automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

A top-three finish in the Premier League would be enough for the Gunners to book a direct ticket to the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition.

They currently hold a five-point advantage over fourth-placed Manchester City and could pull eight clear with victory over Stoke on Sunday.

Wenger is hoping to see his side take another ‘decisive step’ towards their top target against the Potters, with last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United having helped to raise morale within the camp.

“The first step was to be in the top four and last Sunday was a decisive step for that,” said the Frenchman.

“Now, we go step-by-step and the next step is to be in the top three.

“We are not there yet, we have the advantage over Manchester City, but only if we win our games and we will do absolutely everything to be in there.”

Building

With just three games of the season remaining, Wenger’s thoughts have also started to drift towards the summer.

He admits he is keen to bring fresh faces on board, but knows his every move will be scrutinised in minute detail.

“We have a very young team and we want to strengthen the team,” he said.

“Number wise, how much that will be I don’t know. It depends as well who goes out, we have a big squad.”

Wenger, though, added: “You have the same problem everywhere. If you don’t have enough players, people say ‘why don’t you have another striker on the bench?

“It is a price to pay, I believe it is part of being a football player.

“Also, on the other hand you cannot reproach that the players have not performed as well as you wanted if you don’t give them a chance. It is difficult.”